XXL Mag
Bette Midler Is Pissed at Kanye West
By C. Vernon Coleman II February 15, 2016 3:21 PM
Though there are debates as to whether Kanye West actually got Taylor Swift’s permission before penning the misogynous line about the pop star on his new album The Life of Pablo, one thing that is not up for debate is how singer/actress Bette Midler feels about the whole situation.
On the line in question, West references his infamous interruption of Swift’s acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Music Awards, rapping on the track “Famous,” “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex / Why? I made that bitch famous.”
Midler, famous for her roles in the films The First Wives Club and The Stepford Wives, and her hit 1988 remake of “Wind Beneath My Wings,” recently took to Twitter to blast the Chicago rap artist for having the gall publish that line.
“Kanye called Taylor Swift a bitch but said it’s a term of endearment. Well then, let me be the first to say, congrats on your album, bitch!,” she posted. Well then.
The line has been the source of much confusion since it was revealed a few days ago. West says he reached out to Swift to get her permission to run the line. But, according to Swift’s team, they warned West about “releasing a song with such a strong misogynistic message.” The statement also claims Swift was “never made aware of the lyric, ”˜I made that bitch famous.’”
Kanye, however is sticking with his story that the line was given a pass recently taking to Twitter to explain himself. “First thing is I’m an artist as and as an artist I will express how I feel with no censorship,” he posted. “2nd thing I asked my wife for her blessing and she was cool with it. 3rd thing I called Taylor and had a hour long convo with her about the line and she thought it was funny and gave her blessings.”
(Kanye shrug)
Bette MidlerKanye called Taylor Swift a bitch but said it’s a term of endearment. Well then, let me be the first to say, congrats on your album, bitch!
